A new fast jet training course is pushing RAF pilots faster and further than ever.

The new Hawk T2 aircraft, which uses state of the art advanced avionics suite and sensor simulation software to help make the step up between trainer aircraft and Typhoon easier, has revolutionised flying training at RAF Valley.

Officers are naturally pleased with the new aircraft and believe the new course is “years ahead” of other training systems and officials from air forces across the world are making a beeline for Anglesey .

The T2, which arrived at Valley in 2011, is the latest version of the Hawk aircraft which first arrived at Valley in the mid-1970s.

But Alasdair Shinner, station manager of Ascent Flight Training, said the new plane’s resemblance to the old aircraft is the only similarity.

“Just two parts remain, the air brake and the canopy,” he said.

The ex-RAF Valley instructor explained the Hawk T2 has a digital glass cockpit designed to closely resemble those of fast jets and it therefore cuts the time to convert training into flying fighter aircraft such as Typhoon and F-35 Lightning II.

“The T2 boasts a cockpit and mission system representative of modern 4th and 5th generation aircraft types allowing complex skill sets such as beyond visual range missile combat to be transferred from the Operational Conversion Units.

“Gone are the cockpit dials and switches of the T1. In their place are three, full colour, multi-function displays similar to those used by modern fighters such as Typhoon. These can be used to display navigation, weapon and systems information. The cockpit has new lighting fully compatible with the use of night-vision goggles for night operations.

“The aircraft’s head-up display (HUD) has been updated to use symbols and data used in more current combat aircraft.”

Ascent Flight Training, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Babcock, are responsible for the course and are based at a brand new building and hangar complex at RAF Valley.

Mr Shinner added: “The really clever thing is the displays can be set to emulate a number of different aircraft which means they can be used to largely replace traditional two seat fighter trainers, the F35 for example, will not be produced in a two seat version and combining advanced aircraft like the T2 with high fidelity synthetic environment trainers means advanced conversion training can be delivered at a much lower cost.

“The T2’s “radar system” – it doesn’t really have one – can also be used to inject realistic returns from target aircraft and these features have led many to characterise the T2 and a classroom in the sky, although in comparison with the older models, it will not carry a gun pod or any stores, releases being simulated.”

But flying the Hawk T2 is the responsibility of IV(R) Squadron, one the RAF’s oldest squadrons.

Instructor Fight Lieutenant Paul Heasman, who helped create the training syllabus said: "The new Hawk T2 has been fantastic, presenting us with opportunities to develop skills that are more in line with the front line aircraft we will be going to fly after Valley.”

He said the course, which takes students about 11 months to complete, combines classroom-based training using simulators with about 120 hours of actual flying.

“This is ahead of its time, preparing the fast jet pilot for the frontline and reducing the time it takes to become familiar with flying a combat aircraft once they move to their operational conversion units,” he said.

The previous courses on the Hawk T1 relied on students preparing training missions on paper and the instructors to keep hand written notes of the trainees progress.

Using sophisticated computer equipment the student can plan the exercise beforehand downloading the details onto a data card and then taking this to the aircraft.

The same data card is then removed after flight and the entire exercise can be replayed and examined in detail.

“There is now no hiding place and it has made training a much more interactive process with other students having their input on their colleagues progress,” he said.

There are 28 aircraft available for use each day and they dominate the flying seen at Valley these days. The older T1 aircraft are mostly being used to train pilots from overseas air forces.

While many thought the Hawk was reaching the end of its export life, eclipsed by the newer training aircraft, the UK has been pushing the T2 for F35 training and is said to be quite advanced, this makes for an interesting future in the export market.